ELD Department Hosts Vibrant Multilingual Family Event

The English Language Development department of Bloomfield Hills Schools recently hosted a vibrant Multilingual Family Event, highlighting the diversity and global connections within our community. Held in the Bloomfield Hills High School Main Commons, the event was a feast for the senses, featuring cultural cuisine, traditional clothing, and dynamic student presentations.

Families were invited to highlight their heritage by wearing cultural attire and bringing dishes from their home countries to share. The evening showcased the talents and traditions of students across many grade levels and schools. Members of the BHHS Chinese National Honor Society performed a storytelling presentation about “Nian,” a Lunar New Year tale, and also shared Chinese cultural facts. South Hills Middle School Spanish students displayed ofrendas in honor of Día de los Muertos, and performed a lively song, “Los Pollitos Dicen.” ELD students from Way shared personal introductions, Eastover students presented on Muslim holidays and the culture of Bangladesh, and Conant students taught attendees about Libya, as well as counting in Arabic and German. Congratulations to our ELD students for their courage in presenting to a large audience! 

After student presentations, families came together to share a meal, enjoying an array of dishes representing the rich cultures of the BHS community. The atmosphere buzzed with connection as students, families, and staff bonded over delicious food. Superintendent Rick West joined the fun, enjoying the cuisine and connecting with ELD staff and families. The Bloomfield Township Library shared resources, books, and crafts with families. Reflecting on the evening, several students shared what made the event special to them. Falak Al Homsi (grade 11) expressed, “My favorite part of this night was trying the food and listening to the little kids because they were so cute!” Ekram Kaada (grade 10) added, “My favorite part was seeing everyone together - it was a beautiful gathering.” Noura Kaada (NHMS, grade 8) echoed the sentiment, saying, “My favorite part about this gathering was seeing everyone’s beautiful faces and their smiles!”

Thank you to the ELD department for their incredible effort in organizing this event, which not only helped international families connect, but also showcased the creativity and cultural pride of our students. This celebration of diversity is a beautiful example of the power of community and inclusion within Bloomfield Hills Schools.